On Tuesday, Xavi admitted that Lionel Messi’s reunion with FC Barcelona is “impossible” right now, but he wouldn’t rule it out in the future.
However, the former Barcelona midfielder denied any parallels to two illustrious Blaugrana coaches.
As a result of FC Barcelona’s financial difficulties, Messi’s 21-year affiliation with the club came to an end last August when he signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer.
The six league goals he scored in his first season in Paris, meanwhile, were his lowest total since he scored the same number in LaLiga as an 18-year-old in 2005/2006.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has just one year left on his deal in the French capital, but PSG has the option to extend it by another year.
The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, did state on Sunday that he did not think the Argentine’s Barca saga was done.
However, Xavi, Messi’s former teammate and the current FC Barcelona coach, stated at a press conference that such a move was impractical, at least for the time being.
“He has a contract and it’s impossible right now,” Xavi said, looking ahead to Barca’s friendly with Juventus in Dallas on Tuesday.
“Messi is the best footballer in the world and in history. President Laporta already said that Messi’s story with Barca is not over, but now is not the time to talk about it.”
Since rejoining FC Barcelona as its head coach in November of last year, Xavi has had success on a personal level.
After languishing in ninth position under his predecessor Ronald Koeman, he guided the team to a second-place league finish.
After recruiting players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Barca are now anticipated to compete for hardware.
However, Xavi is adamant that he does not seek parallels to late Blaugrana coaches Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola.
“I don’t have the idea of equalling Pep. What I want is for Barca to win,” he added.
“It’s not a question of ego, I don’t want to beat Pep or Johan or anyone. On the contrary, I have nurtured myself from them, I am a student of theirs.
“My dream is to return Barca to the top of the world.”
FC Barcelona has made significant in-season additions despite their precarious financial situation.
The defender from France and Sevilla, Jules Kounde, is allegedly close to joining, so their spending does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
And Xavi claims that Lewandowski’s acquisition proves how alluring the Catalan giants are, saying, “It’s not for me, it’s for the club. I communicate openly with the players.
“Everything adds up. But I will say that the club is the one that has strength. Its greatness is a magnet for footballers.
“People are excited to play at Barca. The fact that players of the stature of Lewandowski want to come proves it.”
